Couldn't Get University Accommodation? Here's What to Do Next

If you didn’t meet the conditions of your firm or insurance place on A-Level Results Day, or you’ve decided to apply for university through clearing, you may be on the hunt for last minute student accommodation. 

Whilst there are plenty of housing options for first-year university students, finding a room in the weeks leading up to the beginning of term can prove challenging.  

If you’re struggling to find somewhere to live, don’t worry, as we’ve put together this university accommodation guide with tips for what to do next! 

Housing Options For University Students 

One of the most important aspects of university is moving away from home for the first time. 

Where you choose to live will significantly determine your student experience, so it’s crucial to choose wisely. 

There’s a lot on offer when it comes to university accommodation, and it’s a lot easier to book a room when you have an idea of what to look for. 

To help you out we’ve listed some of the housing options available for first-year students! 

Halls Of Residence

For most first-year students, the most popular accommodation option tends to be halls of residence, which are purpose-built student accommodation buildings owned by universities and colleges. 

Living in university accommodation is a great way to experience student life, and you’ll either be located on campus or close-by, making it easy to meet like-minded people.

When living in halls, you tend to be right in the heart of the action and have access to great facilities, events, support and academic services. 

Although, due to being such a popular option, spaces tend to get booked up fast, with limited availability after A-Level Results Day, especially for en-suite apartments. 

Private Student Accommodation 

If you don’t manage to get a room in your university hall of residence, or you’re weighing up your housing options, you could consider private student accommodation. 

Purposely built student accommodation is housing that is specifically designed for students by private developers. 

Whilst living in private student accommodation, you’ll have access to laundry and cleaning services and various social spaces like communal games rooms, rooftop terraces, cinema rooms and lounges.

Wherever you’re going for university, make sure to check out properties in cities and towns throughout the UK. 

Our luxury student accommodation offers hassle free inclusive pricing, access to amazing communal spaces, convenient locations and friendly hospitality teams. 

You’re bound to feel at home when living with us, and we even work in partnership with universities and student unions to ensure you have a great student experience.

 

House / Flat Share 

When it comes to finding somewhere to live for university, many people think that halls of residence and private student accommodation are the only options, but this isn’t true. 

House and flat shares are a popular option for second and third year university students, but they can also be a great choice for freshers. 

With student housing you tend to be under a joint tenancy agreement, making it a more affordable option as the rent and bills is split between tenants. 

This is a great option if you’ve not managed to secure a student room anywhere else, but your experience depends entirely on who you live with. 

If you need a room to rent whilst studying, your best bet is searching on SpareRoom in your university city or town. 

Tips For Finding Last-minute Accommodation 

Finding somewhere to live whilst at university can be a stressful process, especially during the weeks leading up to the beginning of the academic term. 

Whilst it’s easier said than done, try not to worry too much if you didn’t get university accommodation, there are things you can do. 

Below we’ve listed some helpful tips for what to do if you can’t find accommodation, so carry on reading! 

1. Consider All Your Options 

In the run up to the start of the academic term, it can feel tempting to book the first room you find that has availability, but we’d recommend considering all of your options. 

The last thing you want to do is book a student room somewhere that isn’t the right fit for you out of panic, instead slow down and take a look at the options available. 

After all, you’re going to be living there for a whole year, so it needs to be a home away from home! 

Like we’ve listed in our university accommodation guide, there’s plenty of choices for housing in your first year, and it’s important to find the best fit for you. 

To weigh up your options, you can use the UCAS accommodation search to find availability, head to your university’s website or search online for accommodation information. 

2. Make The Most Of Social Media 

Whilst there isn’t much time left on your hands to find somewhere to live, there are many ways to secure a place for accommodation. 

During your last minute search, be sure to make the most of social media platforms like Facebook to connect with other students, search for room availability or even housing tips. 

It’s important to remember that you won’t be the only one looking for last-minute student accommodation, there will be students across the UK in a similar position to you. 

You never know, you may find your ideal student home from searching on social media, so join online groups and ask fellow students! 

3. Speak To Your University 

If you’re yet to find somewhere to live for the next academic year, we’d recommend contacting your university. 

Your university team will have dealt with students in a similar position before, and should be able to offer you housing advice, or answer any questions you have about halls or private accommodation. 

The university student services may also be able to help you find emergency accommodation until you find a longer-term solution. 

It’s also worth checking out the Students’ Union at your university as they may be able to provide information about housing agencies, tips, and finding housemates. 

4. Try Not To Break Your Budget

We know you may not have too much choice when it comes to affordable housing, especially during August or September, but it’s important to try not to break your budget.  

Keeping your wallet in check is crucial, as your maintenance loan will only stretch so far, and high rent prices will leave you with little to no money to spend on other expenses. 

It could be worth searching for university accommodation that offers all-inclusive bills so that your rent and utility bills are in one hassle free payment. 

5. Keep Your Stress Levels At Bay 

Staying calm during the university accommodation search post A-Level Results Day can be difficult, but it’s important to keep your stress levels at bay. 

The last thing you want to do is to get yourself all worked up, as the stress will take over and you won’t be in a clear mind to make the right choice. 

Determining where you’re going to live at university is an important decision, and talking to your friends and family can help you to relieve any stress you may be feeling. 

Missing out on university accommodation isn’t the end of the world, and there are plenty of other options and things you can do if you end up in this position.

Now, it’s almost time for the fun to begin with the countdown on until the beginning of term, we hope you have the best time! 

Looking for the ideal accommodation? Here at Prestige we offer luxury student rooms across the UK. 

Read next Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Building Confidence Whilst At University.